Hi, thank you, and a question on unplugging things
 

First off, just wanted to say hello. As of March I am a new owner of an '04 X5 4.4L with 80k miles.

Second, thank you. One of my new projects has been chasing an electrical gremlin causing my alarm to go off randomly. Based on some recommendations on this site I have hopefully solved it with a combination battery replacement and hood contact switch disconnection. The battery was probably not the cause but it was old and it failed a test performed by my independent mechanic. It also turned out not to be the correct amperage to begin with. I didn't expect a new one to be $530 installed BUT hopefully it will last me a decade+

As an aside, I've also recently had both front air struts replaced with the Arnott models. It's been an expensive month.

Anyway, my question: the e53 is getting old but I love it. I'd like to add another 80k miles to the clock. I know there be will costs involved to that but I want to spend my money wisely. This hood switch for example. Had I not Googled it first and instead taken it straight to the shop (because my neighbors were about to form a pitchfork mob) it would have cost me hundreds. Instead I just unplugged the sensor and couldn't really care less if now my hood can be opened without the alarm going off.

Are there any other common failures where the feature can simply be "deleted", or if replacement is needed, improved upon as time goes on? I looked into spring conversion kits when the front airbags went out but couldn't find many positive reviews from those that had made the switch.

I don't know, maybe this is a dumb question but I thought I'd ask what seems to be the largest community of owners keeping this model on the road.

Thanks again,

BCM - Hopefully the was not your INDY charging you $530

I'll err on the 1 Hr labor time and some extra time for diag. - $200
Let's just round off another $200 for a battery

Not to be a negative nancy, but I'd start 1st with finding a cheaper Indy...
No battery will last you a decade.

That was the indy, actually. $245 in parts, $240 in labor ($130/hr. I believe), $35 in supply charges (whatever that means) + taxes, etc.

I have felt that while they do good work, they're a little heavy handed with the labor. I will take that feedback into consideration on future repairs.

It varies from shop to shop. Some charge ~supply charges~ in which I've seen a standard percentage markup. So if you have a high bill, you have a ~high supply~ charge even though supplies was now where relative to that. $130-$125 is the norm for what I would consider a BMW master mechanic specialist or a Euro Indy. $110 for just Joe the Indy. It is what it is I suppose.

I don't know if this 14 year old car is really worth it for ~you~ if you are not mechanically inclined . $500+ is cheap for a battery change if you consider other repairs.

Can I be your independent mechanic, please? I will give you some discount...for example that $530 for battery replacement would have cost you $503 only :D.

I think it was the main battery, not a FOB battery that was replaced.

$530 is steep for a battery that can be had for (at most) $160 after core return at a local parts store. I use the "top-tier" ones from Oreilly's and I think they are in that range. Replacing them is a pain, but nowhere near 1.5 hours for a tech. I do it 20-45 minutes depending on how much cleaning I want to do while under the rear panels.

The e53 is a great platform when she's working right, but can be mighty expensive on the repair/maintenance side if you are not a DIY. Repairs by an indy can easily exceed the value of some of these trucks unfortunately.

EDIT: Just noticed you are in DC. There may be "regional" cost of living type pricing at work here. Are things generally more expensive in DC? If so, perhaps the $530 doesn't sound astronomically crazy, just a little crazy. :D

My battery was somewhere in the 260-320 range for the correct Bosch unit. It was a hassle to get it in the trunk but no problems since. I can see why an independent would want to charge you an hours labor.

I am in DC area. Come by anytime and bring your own battery. I will install it for 1/2 that rate. :) I could use a few extra $$

I am mechanically inclined, just living in downtown DC at the moment and without access to space and tools. That will change this fall.

Having the time space and tools will make your ownership of the X5 an enjoyable one. If you need a place in the meantime to do a tune up, replace a few parts, or want to wash the city off her. Ping me as I am just across the river in No VA.